Improving organisational outcomes through weak ties: an investigation using behaviour settings

This research seeks to understand how to design for better
weak tie human connectivity outcomes using behaviour
settings theory. Being connected to others is a fundamental
human need (Baumeister and Leary, 1995). While
technology may increase the breadth of potential global
connections, it does not provide us with the interpersonal
connection we need. This is a growing concern as we face a
global loneliness epidemic (Cacioppo, 2009) while also
seeing teams move to more remote working. Addressing
this connection need is an urgent need especially in light of
the promised benefits of improved organisational
innovation, creativity and productivity (e.g. Haveman &
Wetts, 2019), as well as individuals being happier, more
healthy and likely to live longer (Holt-Lunstad, Smith,
Baker, Harris, & Stephenson, 2015, Pinker, 2015). The
challenge organisations face in fulfilling the need of human
connection for both employee wellbeing and organisation
performance requires new thinking to support the
development of connections.